Scotts Valley traffic stop nets 31 grams of meth, firearm, body armor

A Felton man was arrested in Scotts Valley Friday on suspicion of possession of narcotics following a traffic stop, officers said.

Edward Robert Papineau, 37, was arrested after Scotts Valley police officers said he was found in possession of 31 grams of crystal methamphetamine, .2 grams of cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a loaded .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun and a bulletproof vest.

Police said Papineau was the passenger in a vehicle officers pulled over around 12:30 a.m. on Scotts Valley Drive for driving without functioning taillights.

Officers said they could smell burnt marijuana in the vehicle during the traffic stop.

Officers said they located the drugs on Papineau during a search of the vehicle.

The handgun was located under the driver's seat of the vehicle.

Police said Papineau was the registered owner of the vehicle and handgun, and he told officers the gun, body armor and narcotics belonged to him.

Officers interviewed the female driver but later released her at the scene.